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Synonym Chooser

How is the word vital different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of vital are cardinal, essential, and fundamental. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

When might cardinal be a better fit than vital?

In some situations, the words cardinal and vital are roughly equivalent. However, cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When can essential be used instead of vital?

While the synonyms essential and vital are close in meaning, essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

Where would fundamental be a reasonable alternative to vital?

While in some cases nearly identical to vital, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vital And in Game 5, the Thunder’s second consecutive NBA Finals win with Hartenstein back in the starting lineup, his decision-making — especially in the first half — proved vital in creating enough separation against a pesky, persistent Indiana Pacers team. Kelly Iko, New York Times, 17 June 2025 Coastal regions vital for shellfish like oysters and mussels are also increasingly at risk. Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025 The first island chain stretches from Japan to the Philippines and further down to Indonesia as is seen as a strategically vital line to both China and the US. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 16 June 2025 And unlike war films where a soldier’s wife sits diligently at home, waiting for his return, Juma is seen leading vital battles of her own on the legislative front lines, in a tale of political disillusionment that forces her to pave a brand new path. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • Astronomers analyzing data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have uncovered a population of tiny, energetic galaxies that may have been key players in clearing the cosmic fog that shrouded the universe after the Big Bang.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 June 2025
  • Greer, a part of a energetic, muscular fourth line, signed as a free agent on July 1, 2024. READ MORE: Why the Panthers made sure first-time Cup winners got to celebrate first 12: Jonah Gadjovich, LW/RW.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • The seven players on the active roster who were in the lineup at some point during the playoffs who had not won the Stanley Cup before Tuesday.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
  • Amid the escalating active conflict between Israel and Iran, the latter has delivered yet another directive to its residents, this time involving the popular messaging platform WhatsApp.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Captions are essential, especially on mobile devices or in quiet settings.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Emotional requirements: Compassion, patience and resilience are all essential but don’t expect emotional support in return.
    JJ Holmes, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Now 20 years later, Stanko is set to be executed by lethal injection in South Carolina on Friday, June 13, in what will be the nation's 23rd execution of the year and the fourth this week alone.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • But after autopsy results from the last inmate killed by that method showed that the bullets from the three volunteers nearly missed his heart, Stanko chose lethal injection.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Victor Olofsson injected crucial secondary scoring (15 goals in 56 games) at a dirt-cheap $1.075 million rate.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • Memphis fell in the standings toward the end of the year, and this offseason was already going to be a crucial one.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Each bottle features a numeric code which indicates the distillery its from and unique descriptions written up by its tasting panel, a refreshing way to try whisky without any prior expectations about a brand.
    Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Nothing beats the taste of a refreshing piece of watermelon on a hot day, so having some cut up and ready in the refrigerator is crucial as the days warm up.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Organizations that master this dynamic gain more than smoother project workflows.
    ESMT Berlin, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • Soon, such models may be able to account for the role played by environmental exposures and chance—offering a more dynamic, individualized map of risk.
    Siddhartha Mukherjee, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • In one image, Turner was seen kissing the singer's head with his arm around her shoulders, while another showed the couple engaged in a lively chat while laying on the ground.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • The primary bedroom suite mirrors the lively palette of the living room, blending mustard, green, and cobalt in deeply tactile textiles.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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